Leading quantity surveyors are calling for a comprehensive reform of procurement practices in government projects to address persistent inefficiencies, cost overruns, and delays that continue to plague the public sector. The call comes after a series of surveys and consultations with industry professionals, highlighting the urgent need for change in how government contracts are awarded and managed.
The reform proposal seeks to modernize procurement processes to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money, while fostering a more competitive and sustainable environment for contractors, subcontractors, and consultants alike. Experts argue that current procurement practices are often overly complex, slow, and prone to mismanagement, leading to increased costs and project delays, particularly in infrastructure and public sector construction.
"We believe that the procurement process should be more streamlined, with greater emphasis on long-term value rather than just short-term cost savings," "Government projects are vital to national development, but they must be delivered efficiently and with full accountability. Reforms that promote transparency, clarity, and more effective risk management will ultimately benefit taxpayers and the communities that rely on these services."
Introducing performance metrics that link payments to the quality and timeliness of work completed, incentivizing contractors to deliver on time and within budget.
Involving contractors early in the planning stages to provide input on feasibility, costs, and risks, fostering a more collaborative approach to project delivery.
Implementing digital platforms for procurement that allow for better tracking, auditing, and management of project progress, improving transparency and reducing the risk of corruption.
Ensuring fairer distribution of risks between government agencies and contractors, preventing the transfer of unreasonable risk to one party.
Offering more robust training programs to procurement officers and project managers, to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to manage large-scale government projects effectively.
The quantity surveyor community is united in their belief that these changes will lead to more successful government projects, ultimately benefiting taxpayers and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly.